A BALLOCH slipway has helped two vessels return to the water in top condition following repairs.

The Bata Greine, translated as the “Boat of the Sun”, is a unique solar powered boat owned by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and built in Germany, with the slipping being carried out by the charity that owns the Maid of the Loch.

The slipway itself was built in 1902 to help the Loch Lomond paddle steamers from the water for their annual repairs and checks.

The works on the Bata Greine began on March 25 and was relaunched a week later, before the Silver Dolphin followed it on to the slipway for its annual overhaul and underwater inspection, which was completed on April 8.

John Beveridge, director of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company which operates the slipway, said: “Appropriately enough, the whole operation was carried out in brilliant sunshine and was completely successful. The park authority had approached us to see if we could help as they needed the boat to be inspected out of the water.”

Martin Page, ranger service manager for the National Park Authority, said: “Our thanks to the Loch Lomond Steamship Company for the use of their slipway, and being right next to our offices made access ideal. The exercise went without a hitch and everything was completed on time.”